Podcast Summary: The Voice Over Coffee Shop - Episode VOCS 080 | Coffee with Jen Greenfield

Release Date: September 20, 2024
Host: Andrew Morrison
Guest: Jen Greenfield

1. Introduction and Guest Overview

[00:00 - 01:15]

Andrew Morrison opens Episode 80 of The Voice Over Coffee Shop, introducing his guest, Jen Greenfield. Jen is celebrated for her relentless marketing prowess, versatile voice styles across multiple genres, and her role as a co-founder of the rapidly growing voiceover community, Vobooth Besties. Morrison highlights topics such as tenacity, strategic marketing, networking, client experiences, and the origin story of Vobooth Besties that will be discussed throughout the episode.

Notable Quote:

Andrew Morrison [00:00]: "Jen is an absolutely relentless force when it comes to her marketing... one of the co-founders of one of the fastest growing voiceover communities in the industry, the Vobooth Besties."

2. Morning Routine and Coffee Preferences

[01:15 - 04:03]

Jen shares her morning routine, notably her shift from sweetened tea to black tea. This change was motivated by health considerations and a desire to reduce sugar intake, influenced by advice from her agent, Suzanne Spaziani.

Notable Quote:

Jen Greenfield [02:08]: "I spent some time with one of my agents this summer, Suzanne Spaziani with Aspbox, and she was doing no sugar... so I just try to get something organic and not going to kill me."

3. Transition from Diverse Careers to Voiceover

[04:03 - 08:09]

Jen discusses her eclectic career background, including roles as a volunteer firefighter, project manager for residential renovations, singer, dancer, and fitness instructor. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to start multiple businesses, adapting to frequent relocations due to her spouse’s military career. The pandemic served as a catalyst for her transition into voiceover work, inspired by her children's interest in animation and her own growing interest in voice acting.

Notable Quote:

Jen Greenfield [04:44]: "I've always had that marketing, sales, business side to it. So fast forward... I'm jumping in feet first and making it happen."

4. Direct Marketing and Networking Strategies

[08:09 - 16:54]

Jen emphasizes the importance of direct marketing and strategic networking in building her voiceover career. She details her method of targeting companies she already engages with as a customer, making her outreach more authentic and relatable. Leveraging LinkedIn to connect with key decision-makers like CEOs and creative directors, Jen avoids generic messages, focusing instead on meaningful, business-focused connections.

Notable Quote:

Jen Greenfield [15:01]: "Products, companies, and products that I buy. What better way... to start a conversation is to say, 'I am one of your customers. I like... I am a voice actor.'"

5. Utilizing Social Media Effectively

[16:54 - 23:26]

Jen outlines her social media strategy, differentiating her use of Facebook and Instagram. On Facebook, she maintains a professional presence, while Instagram serves as a platform to showcase her personality and versatility. She shares how authentic engagement and occasional viral moments, like her yoga challenge video, have led to unexpected opportunities without relying heavily on hashtags or extensive content creation.

Notable Quote:

Jen Greenfield [19:44]: "Instagram is my opportunity to shake things up... I want you to get to know Jen."

6. Building the VO Booth Besties Community

[37:58 - 45:19]

Jen narrates the origin story of Vobooth Besties, a community formed at a voiceover conference where she, along with JT and Alicia Bake, identified a need for a platform that provides honest, direct information from industry professionals. This community grew organically through active engagement on platforms like Clubhouse and Facebook, emphasizing free access to valuable insights without gatekeeping.

Notable Quote:

Jen Greenfield [38:09]: "We wanted to be the place where we talk to people and get the answers... providing information that is applicable to people."

7. Personal Branding with "Naked Jen"

[35:06 - 37:58]

Jen shares the humorous story behind her nickname "Naked Jen," which originated from an accidental overshare during a Zoom class. Despite its accidental start, the moniker became a part of her personal brand, symbolizing her authenticity and openness. Her friend Alicia Bake affirmed that "Naked Jen" reflects Jen's genuine and unguarded personality.

Notable Quote:

Jen Greenfield [35:13]: "I hold nothing back, so that's awesome."

8. Balancing Work, Community, and Personal Life

[52:50 - 56:14]

Discussing her daily routine, Jen explains how she manages her responsibilities as a mother, voice actor, and community leader. With structured mornings, dedicated work sessions, and support from her husband, she balances her professional and personal life effectively. She also highlights the importance of maintaining mental health through support systems like her "Joy Jar," where she records positive experiences and achievements.

Notable Quote:

Jen Greenfield [53:04]: "I make time for friendships... I just hustle, and so I just make it work."

9. Discipline and Commitment to Future Goals

[57:26 - 59:35]

Jen discusses her approach to discipline, viewing it as a form of self-care. She emphasizes the importance of staying trained, maintaining her voice health, and setting boundaries to achieve her long-term objectives. Her commitment involves continuous coaching, avoiding burnout, and ensuring her personal well-being to sustain her professional growth.

Notable Quote:

Jen Greenfield [57:12]: "When you use discipline, you are putting off the not. You are saying, I don't want to just do the easy thing now, but the hard thing so that tomorrow is easier."

10. Conclusion and Contact Information

[60:00 - 61:18]

Andrew wraps up the conversation, expressing gratitude for Jen's insights. Jen provides her contact information, directing listeners to her website, social media profiles, and the Vobooth Besties podcast for further engagement.

Notable Quote:

Jen Greenfield [60:05]: "My website is JenGreenfieldVO.com, I am Mama Greenfield on all socials..."

Key Takeaways:

• Authentic Direct Marketing: Target companies you already engage with to create genuine connections.
• Strategic Social Media Use: Differentiate platforms based on their strengths; use Instagram for personal branding and Facebook for professional outreach.
• Community Building: Create value-driven communities like Vobooth Besties to provide free, honest insights.
• Personal Branding: Embrace unique personal brands that reflect authenticity and openness.
• Work-Life Balance: Structure your day, set boundaries, and maintain mental health to sustain professional growth.
• Discipline as Self-Care: Use disciplined actions to invest in your future success, viewing them as essential self-care.

Where to Find Jen Greenfield:

• Website: JenGreenfieldVO.com
• Social Media: Mama Greenfield on Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn
• Podcast: Vobooth Besties (boothbesties.com)

For More Information: Visit veocoffeeshop.com and subscribe to The Voice Over Coffee Shop on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated with new episodes and guest insights.